I went to AX many years ago with a friend, and semi-cosplayed as Gin from Ginga Nagareboshi Gin (Silver Fang / Meteor Gin). I'm pretty sure no one there knew the character except me XD

I'd really like to dress up for AX 2013 if I go with my friend, but I'm at a loss for who/what to dress up as.

I really want to go as an animal/animal-like character (you know, the whole "ears-and-a-tail" type of character, heh).

And, it might sound shallow, but I'd really like to go as someone recognizable this time. XD

I'd love to go as something along the lines of Nyanko-Sensei/Madara from Natsume Yuujinchou, as it's my absolute favorite anime of all time, but again, I worry that the character is a bit obscure XD

Does anyone have suggestions for well-known animal or animal-like characters from popular anime/manga? It can be anything from a "catgirl"-type character (e.g., Holo from Spice and Wolf) or a full animal (e.g., Chi from Chi's Sweet Home). Or even transforming characters, such as the Wolf's Rain werewolves. Ears and a tail are my only requirements! ;p

Apo from Space Brothers (though it'd be hard to distinguish that and a regular dog costume lol)

Just remembered you said 'recognizable' and my last 2 suggestions are nowhere near reputable haha. So yeah, I'm going with Happy or Tsubasa cat. Surprisingly that's all I can think of. I think there's a cat-girl in "K" but I haven't seen it yet to know.

As already said, Tsubasa Hanekawa is a well known character, anyone who watched Bakemonogatari should be able to recognize her cosplay (white and long hairs, big cat ears, pink pajamas and yellow eyes, I think it's kinda unique).